Shark attack halts J-Bay Open

Australian surfers Mick Fanning and Julian Wilson, both finalists in the J-Bay Open before a shark attack brought the event to a close on Sunday, have split the winner’s purse.

Fanning was attacked by a Great White Shark while competing in the final heats, emerging shaken but unscathed.

The event was put on hold, with the World Surf League announcing that the two had acceded to taking a joint second ranking in points for the fixture, and would split the prize money.

Fanning was knocked from his board by the shark. Wilson rushed to his aid.

Both were reduced to tears in emotional interviews after the competition was suspended.

The calling off of the event was announced in a post on www.worldsurfleague.com.

“After discussion with WSL Commisisoner Kieren Perrow, Wilson and Fanning decided to each take equal second in rankings points and split the prize purse awarded to the winner. Adriano de Souza, current World No 1, will retain the yellow jersey and the top spot going into the next CT event, the Billabong Pro Tahiti.”

“We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today. Mick’s composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic and the rapid response of our Water Safety personnel was commendable, they are truly world class at what they do.

“The safety of our athletes is a priority for the WSL and, after discussions with both finalists, we have decided to cancel the remainder of competition at the J-Bay Open. We appreciate the ongoing support we have in South Africa and once again want to express our gratitude to the Water Safety Team.”

Jeff Wicks, News24

Shark Attacks Mick Fanning at J-Bay Open:

Mick Fanning Shark Attack – J-Bay Open 2015:

Interview with Mick Fanning after the shark attack:

In a tearful interview with www.worldsurfleague.com, Fanning described the moments where he grappled with the shark while trying to stay above water.

“I was just cruising waiting for my turn and I felt like I was just about to start paddling and I had this instinct something was behind me,” he said.

“I just started getting pulled under water by my leg rope. It [the shark] came up and I was just getting pulled under. I punched it a couple of times and it was dragging me under water and then my leg rope broke,” he said, struggling to compose himself.

“I was swimming and just screaming and I just had this thought; what if it comes and has another go at me so I turned around so I could at least see it coming. Before I knew it the boat and jet skis were there,” Fanning said.

WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow confirmed that surfers would not return to the water on Sunday.

“It is definitely something we hope never to see in this sport and we definitely won’t be running anymore heats today and will not be sending them back out there,” he said.

“I think he [Fanning] is still processing it all like we all are right now. We are just so happy to see him alive and safe it and the outcome could have been terrible. It was a scary situation and we are all going to take some time to recover,” Perrow said.